PETROL RESTRICTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23602, 11 March 1940, Page 9

PETROL RESTRICTIONS

Sir, —Does "Ex-Fanner's Daughter really believe that the present petrol restrictions are either wise or just.r That restrictions are necessary we a!! agree, but where is the '"equality, oi sacrifice" in allowing exactly the same amount to the man living .within five minutes of Queen Street as to one living 50 miles from the nearest station? The average city-dweller does not feel the restrictions at all. Then, lest their style should be cramped at all during the holidays, a kindly Government removed the restrictions alto gether. The wanton extravagance with which this consideration was repaid has led to further restrictions on petrol for farm purposes, although the Government is continually stressing the necessity for increased production or efficiency. Certainly there are still many horses and sledges, but what has become of the cheap and capable farm labour of former times? We are frequently assured that there is no shortage of farm hands. Perhaps not, but there is definitely a shortage of reliable men, a position growing steadily worse 3S ail the best young men enlist. If the farmers are to do their bit to help the war they should be assisted as much as possible, not hampered at every turn. Common Sense.